The Greek premier says economic war is a "dead-end
policy,” according to TASS which
interviewed Tsipras ahead of his visit to Moscow on April 8.

"We do not agree with sanctions. I believe that this is a
road to nowhere. I support the point of view that there is a need
for a dialogue and diplomacy, we should sit down at the
negotiating table and find the solutions to major problems,"
Tsipras was quoted as saying.

The prime minister said that right after he won the election he
received a message from European Council President Donald Tusk
who almost took for granted Greece’s position in favor of
sanctions. The newly-elected Prime Minister then told the EU
Council and the EU foreign policy chief that the situation had
changed, and they should ask the new Greek government before
taking decisions.

New level of cooperation

There is a chance of bringing the trade between Russia and Greece
to a new level, Tsipras suggests, saying that substantial
cooperation would allow Greece to export its agricultural goods
to the Russian Federation. Trade relations between the two
countries have been ruined as previous Greek governments were
involved in the sanctions policy. Russia was Greece's biggest
trading partner outside the EU with turnover in excess of €5.7
billion in 2013. However, the Greek economy has been seriously
damaged as a result of the food embargo
last year. Greek producers estimated losses from fruit and
conserves at more than €178 million over the course of the year.

Relations between Greece and Russia have great potential,
especially in terms of energy and tourism, Tsipras told TASS. The
two countries have close links mainly through tourism; about 1.2
million Russians visited Greece on holiday in 2012.

2016 which will be a cross promotion year for Russia and Greece,
and is a great opportunity according to Prime Minister Tsipras.

Meanwhile, this year Greece along with Russia will be celebrating
the 70th anniversary of the end of the World War Two which is of
great historical importance to both the Russian and Greek people,
the Greek Premier underlined.

Bridge between West and Russia

The Greek prime minister’s visit to Moscow will lay a new
foundation for Russian-Greek relations that have been
“frozen” recently.

"It is a real opportunity to make a restart, give new impetus
to Russian-Greek relations that have very deep roots in history
and are forged in the common struggle of our people,”
Tsipras told TASS.

Russia and Greece are currently in a general risky geopolitical
situation with common challenges that need to be considered
thoroughly together, according to premier. “We have to
consider how our nations and countries can actually cooperate in
multiple fields, such as the economy, energy, trade, agriculture…
We should explore how our collaboration can be constructive as I
really believe that Greece, as a member of the EU, can be a
bridge, a bridge between the West and Russia,” Tsipras said.